The Top 20 Cryptocurrencies to Watch in 2021

The Top 20 Cryptocurrencies to Watch in 2021

Cryptocurrencies have been around for over a decade now, but they still remain an enigma to many. In the past decade, we have seen the rise of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies that have gained prominence in the digital asset world. As we head into 2021, here are the top 20 cryptocurrencies to watch, according to industry experts.

1. Bitcoin (BTC)

Bitcoin remains the king of cryptocurrencies, being the first and most recognizable. The digital asset has seen a massive increase in 2020, with a current market cap of over $600 billion. Institutions have also started to invest in Bitcoin, with companies like MicroStrategy and Square investing billions in the digital asset.

2. Ethereum (ETH)

Ethereum is the second most valuable cryptocurrency and is known for its smart contract functionality. The platform has seen an increase in popularity due to the rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, which have been built on the Ethereum blockchain.

3. Ripple (XRP)

Ripple is a digital payment protocol that has been designed to enable instant, secure, and low-cost cross-border payments. The cryptocurrency has seen an increase in adoption, with over 300 financial institutions using Ripple’s payment protocol.

4. Bitcoin Cash (BCH)

Bitcoin Cash was created as a result of a hard fork from Bitcoin in August 2017. The goal was to increase the block size limit and allow for faster transactions. The digital asset has gained traction in 2020, with businesses like BitPay and Coinbase accepting BCH payments.

5. Litecoin (LTC)

Litecoin is often referred to as the “silver to Bitcoin’s gold.” The digital asset was created to improve on some of Bitcoin’s limitations, such as faster transaction speeds and lower transaction costs. The cryptocurrency has been around since 2011 and has maintained a top 10 spot ever since.

6. Chainlink (LINK)

Chainlink is a decentralized oracle network that connects smart contracts to real-world data. The network has seen an increase in usage, with some of the biggest companies in the world using Chainlink’s technology, including Google, SWIFT, and Oracle.

7. Polkadot (DOT)

Polkadot is a next-generation blockchain network that aims to provide interoperability between different blockchain networks. The platform has seen significant growth in 2020, with a current market cap of over $10 billion.

8. Cardano (ADA)

Cardano is a proof-of-stake blockchain platform that aims to provide a more secure and sustainable network. The platform has seen an increase in popularity, with its recent “Mary” upgrade enabling the creation of native tokens on the network.

9. Stellar (XLM)

Stellar is a payment protocol that aims to provide fast and low-cost transactions. The platform has seen an increase in adoption, with companies like IBM using Stellar’s technology for cross-border payments.

10. Tether (USDT)

Tether is a stablecoin that is pegged to the value of the U.S. dollar. The cryptocurrency has seen significant growth, with a current market cap of over $25 billion. Tether is often used as a form of stable currency to store value during market downturns.

11. Monero (XMR)

Monero is a privacy-focused cryptocurrency that provides anonymous transactions. The digital asset has seen an increase in usage due to its privacy features, with companies like Pornhub accepting XMR payments.

12. EOS (EOS)

EOS is a decentralized operating system that provides a platform for building decentralized applications. The platform has seen significant growth, with a current market cap of over $3 billion.

13. Binance Coin (BNB)

Binance Coin is the native token of the Binance exchange and is used to pay for trading fees on the platform. The cryptocurrency has seen an increase in usage due to the rise of decentralized exchanges (DEXs), which use Binance Smart Chain technology.

14. Chain Guardians (CGG)

Chain Guardians is a blockchain-based game that allows players to earn cryptocurrency by playing. The platform has seen an increase in usage, with its recent partnership with Chiliz allowing players to earn Fan Tokens for esports teams.

15. VeChain (VET)

VeChain is a blockchain-based supply chain management platform that aims to provide transparency and traceability. The platform has seen an increase in adoption, with companies like Walmart using VeChain’s technology for supply chain management.

16. Dogecoin (DOGE)

Dogecoin is a cryptocurrency that was created as a joke but has gained a cult following due to its meme status. The digital asset has seen an increase in usage due to the rise of “meme coins” and has been backed by celebrities like Elon Musk.

17. XDC Network (XDC)

XDC Network is a platform that provides real-time cross-border payments and settlements. The platform has seen an increase in adoption due to its partnerships with companies like R3 and IBM.

18. Zcash (ZEC)

Zcash is a privacy-focused cryptocurrency that provides anonymous transactions. The digital asset has gained traction due to its privacy features, with companies like Gemini using ZEC as a form of payment.

19. Aave (AAVE)

Aave is a decentralized lending platform that allows users to borrow and lend cryptocurrency. The platform has seen an increase in usage due to the rise of DeFi applications and has a current market cap of over $6 billion.

20. Compound (COMP)

Compound is a decentralized lending platform that allows users to earn interest on their cryptocurrency holdings. The platform has seen an increase in usage due to the rise of DeFi applications and has a current market cap of over $2 billion.

In conclusion, the cryptocurrency market has seen significant growth in 2020, with a variety of platforms and digital assets gaining traction. As we enter 2021, it will be interesting to see which cryptocurrencies will continue to grow and evolve in the digital asset world.